Urgent: West Contra Costa Teachers Vote to Strike Amid Stalemate

UPDATE: A potential strike looms over the West Contra Costa Unified School District as negotiations stall between the district and its teachers and staff unions. The United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters Local 856, representing approximately 3,000 employees, have overwhelmingly voted to authorize strikes, signaling deep frustration over stalled contract talks.

The urgency escalates as 96% of Teamsters and 95% of United Teachers have indicated their readiness to strike if their demands for higher wages, better staffing, and improved working conditions are not met. “Our district needs to prioritize stability for our students, now,” stated Francisco Ortiz, President of the United Teachers of Richmond.

The current contracts for both unions expired on June 30, 2025, and despite ongoing negotiations since early this year, discussions have reached an impasse. In a move to break the deadlock, the district has engaged a third-party mediator. Should these talks fail, unions will be legally positioned to initiate a strike.

In a special meeting, trustees voted to increase substitute teacher pay to $550 per day, a significant rise from the regular rate of $280. This decision reflects the district’s preparation for a potential strike, but some trustees, including Demetrio Gonzalez Hoy, caution that high substitute pay could exacerbate tensions, potentially prolonging strike actions by full-time educators.

Teachers are mobilizing, with sixth-grade teacher Juanita Flores-Mejia emphasizing the strong organization within the union that led to a 98% strike authorization vote. The growing discontent among educators highlights the urgent need for a resolution, with many operating without a contract for months.

District representatives, including Superintendent Cheryl Cotton, are keen to avoid a strike, stressing the importance of ensuring student safety and educational access. Cotton described substituting during a strike as a “challenging situation,” justifying the increased pay rate amid the potential upheaval.

As negotiations continue and tensions rise, all eyes are on the West Contra Costa Unified School District. The clock is ticking, and the stakes for students and educators alike have never been higher. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.